Hay shed - the DIY budget option!
I recently decided that after years of crawling under a tarpaulin to get hay, that I’d had enough and needed to sort a proper hay shed and bedding store. My bedding does come in polythene bags, but I don’t store them outside anymore because the bags often have holes in allowing the shavings to soak up water and I end up throwing lots of it away (which I can’t afford to do)! Not being able to afford to buy a ready made hay shed, (for which I’d also have to consider
planning permission
requirements), I searched the internet for cheap ideas, but the only thing I could find was a gazebo type store, which I decided would probably blow away!
So, having a little knowledge of construction, I decided to create my own shed at a fraction of the cost of buying one. I used square fence posts for the corners and half way along each side. To these I nailed additional timber to add height, with the front a foot higher than the back. I then nailed timber across the top of the structure to form a frame for the roof. I nailed plywood to three sides (leaving the front open), which added strength and stability to the structure in addition to weather protection. I added timber across the roof (from front to back), finishing off with a heavy duty
tarpaulin
for the roof. The front was left open to allow air to circulate, but using an old piece of
tarpaulin,
I made a curtain for the front to stop the rain from soaking the hay, but allowing easy access. This shed is solid, practical, weather proof and best of all only cost me approximately £100 for a 10’ x 10’ store! So you see, a little inspiration, hard work, determination and bargain hunting can produce great results.
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